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Editor’s note: The Farmers Bank and Richmond Mutual have announced a merger. You can read the full announcement at this link. The following is a message from Christopher D. Cook, president and chief executive officer of The Farmers Bank.
Cook
Dear, Boone, Clinton, Hamilton and Tipton Counties:
I am writing to share important news about the future of The Farmers Bank. On Wednesday, November 12, our employees were informed that The Farmers Bancorp, the holding company of The Farmers Bank, has entered into a strategic merger agreement with Richmond Mutual Bancorporation, Inc., the holding company of First Bank Richmond.
This is an exciting step forward for our organization, our customers, and the communities we proudly serve. I wanted to reach out to you to share a few important updates about the merger.
Headquarters to remain in Frankfort, Ind.
The combined bank’s administrative headquarters will be located in downtown Frankfort, Indiana. The Farmers Bank has been a part of the Frankfort community for nearly 150 years, and this decision ensures that our leadership, administrative operations, and community commitment remain rooted right here at home. This is an important affirmation of our history, our employees, and our dedication to serving Frankfort and the surrounding communities.
What this means today
There is nothing you need to do and no changes to your accounts or the service you receive. Your online and mobile banking access, debit cards, checks, statements, and the way you interact with our team will continue exactly as they do today. All Farmers Bank locations will remain open and fully operational.
Why this merger strengthens our future
By joining together with another strong community focused financial institution, we are creating a more competitive bank that can better serve our customers for years to come. This merger will:
- Create a premier community bank with 24 branches across Central and East Central Indiana as well as Western and Central Ohio.
- Increase our ability to support customers with higher lending limits.
- Expand and enhance our product offerings.
- Allow for greater investment in technology, security, and digital banking tools.
- Strengthen opportunities for our employees and deepen our commitment to the communities we serve.
The merger is expected to be completed late March or early April of 2026, following regulatory and shareholder approvals.
Be on the lookout for fraud attempts
Major announcements such as mergers can attract scammers who try to impersonate the bank to steal personal information. Your security remains a top priority, and we want to help you stay protected.
Common fraud tactics
- Pretending to be a bank employee and asking for personal information.
- Creating urgency and claiming immediate action is needed.
- Sending fake emails or text messages with links to fraudulent login pages.
- Spoofing bank phone numbers to appear legitimate.
- Sending malicious links or attachments.
- Targeting businesses with fraudulent payment change requests.
How to protect yourself
- Do not click links in suspicious emails or texts.
- Never share passwords, account numbers, or sensitive information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
- If something does not seem right, hang up or delete the message.
- Verify any request by contacting us directly using the phone number on the back of your card or by visiting your local branch.
- When in doubt, always call us first.
The Farmers Bank will never ask for your login credentials, Social Security number, or full account numbers through an unsolicited email, text, or phone call.
Thank You
Thank you for your continued trust in The Farmers Bank. We are excited for the opportunities ahead and remain committed to serving you with personal attention, local decision making, and deep community relationships.
If you have questions, please reach out to any of our staff members, your local financial center, or visit our website for more information. General inquires that are not account specific can be sent to communications@thefarmersbank.com.
Christopher D. Cook
President & Chief Executive Officer
The Farmers Bank